Police Lieutenant Placed of Leave Amid Social Media Inquiry

City officials in Columbia have confirmed that a police lieutenant was placed on administrative leave amid an investigation into his social media posts.

The Columbia Daily Tribune reports that Brian Tate's leave began Thursday, the day after the newspaper published screenshots of some of his tweets. They included one stating there would be less gang violence had the South won the Civil War. Tate repeatedly identifies himself as a Columbia police officer in his feed.

Columbia Mayor Brian Treece said on Tuesday that Tate's comments don't reflect the values of the community.

Tate worked in internal affairs, investigating alleged misconduct, before he was promoted in September to lieutenant in the patrol division. Tate hasn't responded to email questions from the Tribune about his posts. He has deleted his account.